Rickert First to File in West Des Moines Council Race

WEST DES MOINES – Brian Rickert today became the first candidate to file nomination papers in this year’s municipal elections as he seeks to succeed retiring incumbent Loretta Sieman in the Third Ward.

“Today’s the first day for candidates to file and I’ve been looking forward to it because we’ve already received such tremendous support within the Third Ward and beyond. I know some candidates wait until the last minute to file but I have a real passion for West Des Moines and there was no reason to wait,” Rickert said, who was accompanied by his wife, Wendy, and three young children. “We took the kids because it’s a fun, special day and the success of our community is important to their futures.”

Rickert’s campaign is based on a platform of fiscal restraint, managed growth and the continuation of quality municipal services for all residents. Brian noted when he grew up on 34th Street Place that much of the land west of 35th Street, now known as Valley West Drive, was a cornfield. “I’ve seen and helped our city grow over the past 35 years – and I’m proud to say that growth has served to improve the quality of life for the people who live, work and raise their kids here,” he said. “As vibrant as West Des Moines is, I know its best days are still ahead if our city’s leadership remains focused on the things that have made us successful. That’s what I’ll do representing the constituents of the Third Ward.”

Rickert, 36, has lived in West Des Moines nearly his entire life graduating from Western Hills, Stilwell, and Valley. He also graduated from the University of Iowa with a finance degree and earned his law degree with honors at Drake University Law School. He is a trustee on the West Des Moines Water Works Board and vice president of the West Des Moines Development Corporation, helping to promote economic development in West Des Moines. He also serves on the board at the Blank Park Zoo, is a long-time member of Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church and is a former officer and board member of the Salvation Army. Brian is a graduate of the inaugural class of the West Des Moines Leadership Academy, as well as the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute, and Leadership Iowa. He also was named one of central Iowa’s top business leaders in the Forty Under 40 Program.

Rickert is an attorney at BrownWinick, the state’s third-largest law firm. Listed in Best Lawyers of America 2008® and Chambers USA®, he serves as corporate counsel to a number of businesses across the state.

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